Saturday, January 29, 2011

Makar Sankranti – Transmigration of Sun

Article by Abhishek Singla (14 January 2011)

Today is Makar Sankranti, one of the most celebrated festivals among Hindus. I am really surprised to see Google with a doodle on this auspicious occasion. I clicked on the doodle and linked to the Wikipedia page of Makar Sankranti. I read the page, found really structured and knowledgeable information. Wikipedia tells about the significance, traditions and celebrations associated with Makar Sankranti, but doesn’t give any idea about the different forms of Surya (Sun) across the different Maas (Months). So, I am sharing some interesting facts about Surya, I read in Bhagvat Purana.

According to Hindu Puranas, there are 12 different forms of Surya, active in 12 different months (I am referring the months of Hindu calendar). Surya keeps on travelling across the universe on his seven-horse chariot with his 6 Ganas (attendants). These seven horses represent the seven colours of the rainbow.

6 Ganas of Surya are:
Rishis (Sages)
Gandharvas (Skilled singers)
Apsaras (Beautiful dancing women)
Sarps /Nagas (Snakes)
Yakshas (Ghosts)
Rakshasas (Devils)

Different persons represent these 6 Ganas along with different forms of Surya. All these 6 Ganas travel along with Surya.

Different tasks are assigned to each of the Ganas:
Rishis – Recite the chants from vedas regarding Surya
Gandharvas – Sing on the glory of Surya
Apsaras – Dance in front of the chariot of Surya
Sarps/Nagas  (Snakes) – Tighten the chariot as ropes
Yakshas (Ghosts) – Decorate the chariot
Rakshasas (Devils) – Push the chariot from behind

Along with the 6 Ganas, 60,000 Brahmarishis named Vaalkhilya keeps on walking along with Surya, reciting the prayers, keeping their faces in front of Surya.

Below is the universal chart of 12 forms of Surya along with his 6 Ganas, associated with 12 months:


Month
No. of Days
Begins on
Surya
Rishi
Gandharva
Apsara
Sarp
Yaksha
Rakshasa
1
Chaitra
30/31*
March 22/21
Dhaata
Pulastya
Tumbroo
Kritusthali
Vasuki
Rathkrita
Heti
2
Vaisakha
31
April 21
Aryaman
Pulaha
Narada
Punjiksthali
Kachneer
Athoja
Praheti
3
Jyaistha
31
May 22
Mitra
Attri
Haha
Menka
Takshak
Rathsvana
Porusheya
4
Ashadha
31
June 22
Varuna
Vashistha
Huhu
Rambha
Shukra
Sehajanya
Chitrasvana
5
Shravana
31
July 23
Indra
Angiras
Vishwavasu
Pramalocha
Elapatra
Shrota
Varya
6
Bhadra
31
August 23
Vivswana
Bhrigu
Ugrasen
Anumalocha
Shankhpal
Aasaaran
Vyaghra
7
Ashvina
30
September 23
Tvashtha
Jamdagni
Dhritrashtra
Vilottma
Kambal
Shatjita
Brahmanapeta
8
Kartika
30
October 23
Vishnu
Vishwamitra
Suryavarcha
Rambha
Ashwatar
Satyajita
Makhapeta
9
Margashirsha
30
November 22
Anshu
Kashyap
Ritusen
Urvashi
Mahashankh
Taksharya
Vidhuchshatru
10
Pausha
30
December 22
Bhaga
Aayu
Arishtanemi
Purvachitti
Karkotak
Urna
Safurja
11
Magha
30
January 21
Pusha
Gautama
Sushena
Ghritachi
Dhananjaya
Suruchi
Vaat
12
Phalguna
30
February 20
Prajanya
Bharadawaj
Vishwa
Senjita
Eravata
Kritu
Varcha
* Leap Year
Note: Forgive me if I have made any pronunciation mistake in Hindi names written in English Text.

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